Blog Archives
How Not To Sell A Wine, A Love Story
How Not To Sell a Wine: Put a South African white wine in a Bordeaux bottle Disclose no grape names on the front label Have the current release be the 2008 vintage If you think I’m being glib, these sentiments came straight from Anthony Hamilton Russell, owner of South Africa’s Hamilton Russell Vineyards, along with Southern [More]
Two of My Favorite Value Wines to Bring to a Party
When it comes to my favorite value wines to bring to a party, I find myself coming back again and again to the MAN Vintners Chenin Blanc and the Tres Picos Garnacha from Borsao. From South Africa, the MAN Vintners Chenin Blanc has surprising richness for being so humble in price. It’s a taste of [More]
Wines I Tasted Yesterday
A quick rundown: 2009 Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc (South Africa): Sancerre meets (a touch of) New Zealand. 2009 Zuccardi Serie ‘A’ Torrontes (Argentina): Less soapy and perfumed than most Torrontes. Has a petrol nose that reminds me of German or Australian Riesling. Probably the best Torrontes I’ve had. 2008 Costieres de Pomerol Picpoul de Pinet [More]
Your Official World Cup Party Wine
Check out my selection on the Foodista Blog; click on the title of this post to jump to it.
The Wines I’m Bringing to the Oregon Coast
The Wines I’m Bringing to the Oregon CoastOriginally uploaded by jamesonf So I’m in charge of bringing the wines for a group of 10 for a long weekend. I grabbed two box wines. Yes, box wines. The MAN Vintners Chenin/Viognier I have tasted (in box) and it’s great. Very lively and crisp and it works [More]
Thanksgiving Wines: Better Late Than Never
For Thanksgiving I never bust out the trophy wines. First, I don’t have any. Second, I can’t afford them. Third, when you are having dinner with lots of people, you might turn your head and all of a sudden your cousin(s) have drained the bottle. I like to focus on $15ish bottles; a little more [More]
Fairview Primo Pinotage
We had lunch with the grower, Jan, and sat outside and drank slightly chilled bottles of the Primo 2004. This is the current vintage. It was very modern a delicious; a real crowd-pleaser. Not heavy, easy-drinking, smooth.
Neil Ellis
A few notes about the whites. All the Chardonnays are fantastic. Yes they have oak, but great balance and acidity. Probably my favorite Chardonnay in the world for under $20. I also really liked the Vineyard Selection Sauvignon Blanc; it is barrel fermented, which gives it a nice richness and takes the sharp edge (all [More]
